Colton plans session on new school bond vote

Colton school officials are seeking public comment on the $5.1 million school remodeling bond proposal which failed to gain voters’ approval last November. District residents are encouraged to attend meetings tonight, Thursday, and Jan. 13 to give their feelings on the proposal.

The bonding measure was aimed at providing local funding for an overall $10.2 million remodeling project.

School officials would like to put the measure back on the ballot April 26.

District Superintendent Nate Smith said the two meetings are for the “sole purpose” of gathering public opinion. They would also like to answer more questions on the school’s issues and give attendees a tour of the aging structure.

Tonight’s meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the Colton school cafeteria. The Jan. 13 meeting will be at 7 p.m. in the Uniontown Community Building.

The proposal Nov. 2 failed to meet the state-mandated 60-percent majority required for bonding measures. When all votes were tallied, the count was just under 52 percent with 301 in favor and 282 against.

Smith said Colton School directors could revise the ballot proposal for April 26, depending on the comments they hear at the public session.

If voters approve the local $5.1 million proposal, the school district will qualify for a $5.82 million matching grant through a modernization program conducted by the state’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

A strained electrical system and aging heating system are among reasons the school is seeking to remodel the 1939 building, which was last updated in 1963.